JFS321
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All, I have read as much as I can find online regarding this topic and there are so many conflicting answers that it is insane.
First, many sources identify photons vibrating the electrons in a transparent material in such a way that the net effect is to pass the photons out the other end of the medium. In this case, it seems to me that photons are being absorbed and re-emitted by each electron on the way through. HOWEVER, other sources state that photons pass through the medium (such as glass) and are not affected because they do not have sufficient energy to be "absorbed" by the electron...in other words...no interaction occurs.
1. But, is it not correct to say that anytime a photon interacts with an electron that it DOES absorb the energy, but perhaps not enough to jump energy levels?
2. In the case of reflection, the electron would absorb enough energy to jump to a higher state, and then re-emit the photon again as light. Therefore, reflection also requires an absorption of energy first, too. Correct?
Thanks in advance.
First, many sources identify photons vibrating the electrons in a transparent material in such a way that the net effect is to pass the photons out the other end of the medium. In this case, it seems to me that photons are being absorbed and re-emitted by each electron on the way through. HOWEVER, other sources state that photons pass through the medium (such as glass) and are not affected because they do not have sufficient energy to be "absorbed" by the electron...in other words...no interaction occurs.
1. But, is it not correct to say that anytime a photon interacts with an electron that it DOES absorb the energy, but perhaps not enough to jump energy levels?
2. In the case of reflection, the electron would absorb enough energy to jump to a higher state, and then re-emit the photon again as light. Therefore, reflection also requires an absorption of energy first, too. Correct?
Thanks in advance.